Air source heat pumps
This low-carbon technology is a fantastic alternative to oil, LPG and gas. These units not only save energy and reduce your carbon footprint, but they’re relatively easy to install.There are two options to choose from; air-to-air and air-to-water pumps. Air-to-air heat pumps absorb the outside air and transfer it into your home via a fan system, whilst air-to-water pumps absorb outside air and transfer it via your central heating system to heat your hot water, radiators and underfloor heating (sometimes all three!).
The main downside to an air source heat pump is reduced efficiency below zero degrees Celsius. You will need to have an already well-insulated home when installing an air source heat pump. They’re also a little pricey to install. For example, most units will set you back around £6,000 (supply only). However, this is greatly reduced if you qualify for the £5,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Read our air source heat pump cost guide for more information.
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Ground source heat pumps
With high-efficiency rates and low running costs, ground source heat pumps are excellent options for homeowners looking for greener heating alternatives. These units work by utilising the ground’s consistent temperature to heat your home or water (or both).
Although they’re one of the better units on the market in terms of effectiveness, they’re expensive to install. The cost to install a 4-12kW heat pump is, on average, £8,000 (supply and installation). However, if you’re eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can secure £6,000 in government funding to offset the overheads. Simply apply through the government website to see your eligibility.
Read our guide: How much does a ground source heat pump cost? for more information.
Biomass boilers
Biomass boilers are one of the best energy-efficient heating solutions. The word ‘biomass’ simply refers to any organic matter used to create energy, for example, everyday animal matter, different agricultural crops, and other industrial by-products that are easily burned or turned into liquid to generate electricity.
However, like most energy-generating products, biomass isn’t perfect. Although it’s renewable, using biomass energy plants comes with its own set of pros and cons. For example, bioenergy is a reliable type of renewable energy due to its wide availability, and harvesting biomass for electricity means reducing the waste going to landfill. But, it’s also expensive to gather, transport, and store, meaning it requires more land space to produce.
That said, the pros and cons depend on the type of biomass collected and how it’s used, which is why it’s worth finding out the source of your biomass fuel before committing to this greener boiler alternative. It’s also worth noting that burning these fuels doesn’t eradicate the carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or volatile organic compounds being released into the atmosphere, so make sure it’s offset by the boiler’s lifecycle journey and fuel source.
Biomass boilers are also part of the BUS scheme, and the government is offering £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler.
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Energy efficient electric heating
Although electric heaters are notoriously expensive compared to their gas counterparts, they’ve come a long way in terms of technology and efficiency in recent years. Newer storage heaters and electric radiators are equipped with various smart solutions for controlling the amount of heat they produce and waste.
For example, smart control systems let homeowners heat individual rooms instead of the whole house. Plus, accurate thermostats allow you to maintain an even temperature 24 hours a day. They also let you change times and settings (even when you’re not at home) and turn your heating on and off via an app on your phone. Some technology can also detect open windows.
Alternative solutions to efficiently heating your home
Upgrade your boiler
Consider upgrading or replacing your current boiler with one that has a higher energy rating. The government is looking to ban gas boilers in new builds by 2025; however, that doesn’t mean your current gas boiler is going the way of the dodo. There will be a grace period. Even so, it’s worth looking at alternatives while the grants are available to you. Even a combi or electric boiler might make more sense if you pick the right model. Just be sure to speak to a professional who’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action.
If you’re happy with your current boiler, then consider servicing it before the winter to make sure it’s up to spec and doesn’t conk out on you mid-snowstorm. Our boiler service cost guide has everything you need to know about how much this will set you back. You can expect to pay around £100 for a gas boiler service.
Install solar water heating panels
For a clean and efficient water heating alternative, consider installing thermal solar panels on your roof. There are two types of solar water heating systems available on the market: active and passive. Both use the sun to convert energy to hot water, so it helps if you live in a sunny area. However, passive solar systems rely on the design of your building and therefore aren’t as popular as their active alternatives.
The average cost to install solar water heating panels is £4,500. However, this will vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether you need scaffolding or whether you’re using your existing gas boiler to heat your water.
Read our following article for further information on the energy grants available in 2022.
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